Polk County Companies Offering Their Employees Top-Notch Incentives

Saturday

Aug 16, 2014 at 9:15 PM

Sozon Vatikiotis works with companies to develop employee benefits packages, so it only makes sense that he wants to take care of his own people as well. The CEO of Palm Harbor-based Alltrust can boast a range of perks that includes free lunches, flexible schedules and educational assistance.

By KYLE KENNEDYTHE LEDGER

LAKELAND | Sozon Vatikiotis works with companies to develop employee benefits packages, so it only makes sense that he wants to take care of his own people as well. The CEO of Palm Harbor-based Alltrust can boast a range of perks that includes free lunches, flexible schedules and educational assistance.

"We recognize that as an organization we will only be as good as our employees allow us to be," said Vatikiotis, who works from Alltrust's Lakeland office. "We do everything we can to recruit and retain employees who are culturally aligned with us. We'll always do things that are above and beyond the typical employer-employee relationship."

The Ledger is spotlighting local firms that offer notable extras to their employees.

At Alltrust, employees can routinely order lunch on the company's dime. The firm also pays the costs for staff who wish to earn advanced degrees and professional certifications.

Need to work a flexible schedule, or just take some time off during the day to go work out or blow off steam? No problem. "We have really good people and they know what their limits are. We really promote taking time for yourself," Vatikiotis said.

Alltrust typically closes early on Fridays at least twice a month, allowing staff to get an early start on their weekend, or get together for group events such as happy hour or bowling.

Staff also wear costumes in the workplace for monthly "theme days."

On the benefits side, employees also enjoy company-paid short- and long-term disability, and "pretty significant" matches on 401k plans.

"I think the most notable thing is the culture and the sense of family when you're here," said Christian Mullis, 30, Alltrust's marketing director and who joined the company two years ago.

"They really encourage us to constantly improve on who we are ... to enjoy yourself while you're here, and become the best you can at the role you're in."

CROSS, FERNANDEZ

& RILEY

Cross, Fernandez & Riley (C/F/R), an accounting firm with offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven, offers a variety of perks to help manage employees' stress during tax season.

The list includes weekly lunches and dinners paid for by the company, as well as care packages filled with snacks and energy drinks for auditors.

The firm also tries to keep things light by playing bingo games with staff through email; winners get gift cards.

"We know it's a very intense profession. The busy season is really a stressful time for a lot of our folks," said Amy Church, the human resources manager for Orlando-based C/F/R. "Whatever we can to do mitigate stress and keep them happy -- that's the goal."

Once tax season wraps up, employees are rewarded with an extra paid day off.

Other perks during the year include paid time off for volunteering in the community, flexible schedules, and leaving early on Fridays.

CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS

At CPS Investment Advisors in Lakeland, all employees are treated to quarterly bonuses based on the firm's performance, as well as a very generous 401k plan.

Other perks include regular free lunches and flexible schedules.

CPS also picks up the tab for staff to earn degrees and certifications.

"All of us feel that our contributions matter to the company, and we feel valued here ... that's the overwhelming consensus," said Michael Scott, 21, a marketing assistant at CPS and recent Florida Southern College graduate.

CPS employees can kick in $5 to wear jeans on one Friday each month, with the proceeds given to a local charity.

The company also has plans for an on-site fitness center at its new offices being established downtown.

"We want to make sure they love coming to work every day," says founder Chas P. Smith. "They spend at least 40 hours a week here, so we want to make it a positive atmosphere and try to have fun."

[ Kyle Kennedy can be reached at kyle.kennedy@theledger.com or 863-802-7584. ]